T-Mobile announced on Thursday that it is offering a limited-time $130 discount on the price of new 4G LTE iPad Air and iPad with Retina display models, matching the cost of comparable Wi-Fi-only models, while also still including 200 megabytes of free data every month for life.

The fourth-largest wireless provider in the U.S. will be offering the 16-gigabyte iPad Air with 4G LTE connectivity for $498.96, or just a few cents less than the Wi-Fi-only model in the same capacity. The $130 discount applies to all models, including iPad mini with Retina display, which can be purchased with 4G LTE starting at $398.88.

In addition, T-Mobile announced that beginning on April 12, customers can get nearly 1.2 gigabytes of free 4G LTE data every month through until the end of 2014. The carrier has already been offering 200 megabytes per month for free to all new iPad purchases since last October, but it is now offering $10 off its most popular data plans through the end of the year.

With that discount, a 1-gigabyte-per-month tablet data plan would actually be free for the rest of 2014, with a qualifying postpaid voice and mobile Internet service through T-Mobile.

"With this announcement, T-Mobile's launching a full-on assault against the restrictions and pain points that keep tablet owners from experiencing life beyond the Wi-Fi zone," said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. "The Un-carrier is all about solving pain points, and today we're eliminating every reason to be stuck on an unconnected Wi-Fi-only tablet. There's no longer any need to limit the use of your tablet because you're intimidated by Big Blue, Bad Red or Bumbling Yellow."

In addition, T-Mobile is also continuing to offer payment of early termination fees from competing carriers for customers who want to switch. Users must simply bring in their tablet to receive an instant credit based on their value, and then purchase any tablet, including Apple's iPad, at the same discounted same-as-Wi-Fi price.

Some customers may also qualify for zero-down financing on their iPad purchase for up to 24 months.

The new iPad discounts are part of T-Mobile's self-described "Un-carrier" strategy, which seeks to differentiate it from its competition, chiefly the three larger U.S. providers: AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. In its efforts, T-Mobile has also increased data cap levels, and launched free global roaming for data and text messages.

The iPhone and iPad both debuted on T-Mobile last year, a coup that is credited with helping the carrier reignite growth and chip away at competitors. Prior to that, AT&T attempted to purchase T-Mobile, but the deal fell through after facing scrutiny from the U.S. government.

I would venture to guess that T-Mobile recognizes that Apple is likely to launch updated iPads soon and clearing the inventory makes sense at this point. Although I have an Air, I'll reinvest to get a new one with Touch ID, as it was the one thing the iPad was lacking - made noticeable after getting the 5s and recognizing how great it is not to have to type in passwords all the time.

I would venture to guess that T-Mobile recognizes that Apple is likely to launch updated iPads soon and clearing the inventory makes sense at this point. Although I have an Air, I'll reinvest to get a new one with Touch ID, as it was the one thing the iPad was lacking - made noticeable after getting the 5s and recognizing how great it is not to have to type in passwords all the time.

Unlikely.

Like the iPhone, the iPad product release cycle is typically about a year. Neither the iPad Air nor iPad mini with Retina Display are expected to be updated in the next couple of months.

Clearing the inventory right now doesn't make any sense especially because T-Mobile is offering the same LTE discount on competitors' tablets and isn't offering any discount whatsoever on wifi-only models. Also, there is no incentive to give away free data if they are just trying to draw down inventory of certain current models.

Moreover, I doubt T-Mobile carries more than 60-days worth of inventory on any Apple device on its shelves.

OK, so how do I do it? At http://www.t-mobile.com/ I only see full list prices and no options for the free data plan. Obviously I'm in the wrong place.

The graphics I see on the T-Mobile USA page says "Starting April 12th" and there's a big pink "Learn More" button.

Apparently, you need to have a qualifying postpaid phone plan to be eligible for the free gigabyte of data. Note that since the promotion does not start for two more days, it might not be available from the online store yet (you'd still need the eligible phone plan).

Note that you can get 200MB of monthly 4G data free, just take your iPad into a store (you might be subject to a $10 SIM starter kit fee). This was covered in depth when the T-Mobile unveiled that offering about six months ago.

The graphics I see on the T-Mobile USA page says "Starting April 12th" and there's a big pink "Learn More" button.

Apparently, you need to have a qualifying postpaid phone plan to be eligible for the free gigabyte of data. Note that since the promotion does not start for two more days, it might not be available from the online store yet (you'd still need the eligible phone plan).

Note that you can get 200MB of monthly 4G data free, just take your iPad into a store (you might be subject to a $10 SIM starter kit fee). This was covered in depth when the T-Mobile unveiled that offering about six months ago.

Of course I would only find the April 12 page after posting a comment. :-)

Will have to wait until April 12 to see all the conditions. No longer have a postpaid T-Mobile account, got tired of waiting for iPhone. The free 200MB data iPad accounts don't seem to need a postpaid phone, only possibly a $10 SIM. I'll bite if I can get $130 off a cellular iPad Air with free data. Else wait for AT&T to make a counteroffer.